Substitute House Bill No. 6409 seeks to streamline the workers' compensation claims process by amending Section 31-296 of the general statutes. The bill introduces new requirements for employers to submit written agreements regarding compensation to an administrative law judge (ALJ) for approval, ensuring these agreements are binding. It also mandates that employers notify both the ALJ and the employee before any discontinuation or reduction of payments due to incapacity, detailing the reasons and effective date. If an employer discontinues or reduces payments without prior approval, they are required to repay the employee the total amount owed, including interest and reasonable attorney's fees.

Additionally, the bill enhances the notification process for changes to prescribed medications or durable medical equipment. Employers or insurers must provide written notice to the employee and the ALJ before making any changes, including the reasons for the proposed action and the effective date. Employees are granted the right to request a hearing within 15 days of receiving the notice, or the proposed action will be automatically approved. The bill clarifies that these requirements do not apply if the discontinuation is initiated by the employee's healthcare provider. Key insertions include terms related to objections to the approval or renewal of payments, while certain legal language has been deleted to streamline the process. The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with minimal anticipated costs for implementation.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-296
LAB Joint Favorable: 31-296
File No. 551: 31-296